Energy Department mulls consolidated security contract

Energy Department officials on Wednesday began accepting feedback on a new consolidated contract that could govern security services at three major nuclear sites across the country, including the Pantex Plant.

The “current budget-constrained environment” has prompted the National Nuclear Security Administration to find one contractor to provide security at Pantex, the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., the Oak Ridge Central Training facility and two other locations at Oak Ridge, according to a draft work statement.

The draft request for proposal, released on the NNSA website, is the agency’s method of receiving feedback from interested bidders on its proposed contract, which can be amended.

The deadline for feedback is May 23, according to the draft proposal.

The contract’s start and end dates, as well as an estimated cost, were not immediately available Wednesday.

The work statement said the winning contractor will be responsible for $44.5 million in federal government equipment at all sites, including $25 million at Pantex. The property includes fitness equipment, assault and sniper rifles, night vision devices and vehicles, according to the draft proposal.

The draft proposal comes as the Pantex Guard Union, which boasts about 450 members, and plant contractor B&W Pantex continue negotiations on a new contract.

The current agreement, which expires June 10, has been in place since 2007, after unionized guards went on a six-week strike.

The union and B&W Pantex have declined to talk about specific issues the parties will discuss during the closed-door meetings.

The contract talks loom as NNSA officials review undisclosed bids for a consolidated management and operation contract for three nuclear facilities, including Pantex.

The consolidation effort focuses on a potential 10-year contract that includes a five-year base period and three optional extension terms for another five years, according to federal records.

The merger would include operations at Pantex, Y-12 and an option to phase in the Savannah River Site Tritium Operations in South Carolina.

NNSA officials — who announced in June their intention to consolidate — estimate about $895 million in potential savings over 10 years, not including changes to employee benefits.

The consolidation also would combine the top federal jobs at Pantex and Y-12 to one position. Steve Erhart, Pantex’s former site office manager, will lead government oversight of both plants from the Y-12 plant, an NNSA official said in January.